From left to right: Mariah Duran, Poe Pinson, Paige Heyn, Chris Joslin, Nyjah Huston, Jagger Eaton

Photos: Chris Ortiz
Words: Skyler Wilder

The second edition of Olympic skateboarding is less than a week away, and with that we wanted to tap in with Team USA for a few words from the women and men set to compete.

We caught up with the 2024 Team USA Skateboarding squad for the official announcement and press conference at the California Training Facility in Vista. We asked each of them a series of questions to get an idea of where their heads were at and congratulate them all.

In two weeks we will drop some quotes from the park skaters in advance of their events, but right now it’s time to scroll down and tap in with the street skaters before watching them take on Paris 2024 this weekend.

Be sure to give each of the Team USA skaters a follow on Instagram. We noted their current follower count below because the Olympics has a way of boosting people’s profiles.

Olympic Street Skateboarding Schedule

Saturday, July 27
Men's Street Prelims: 12:00 pm local time / 3:00 am PT / 6:00 am ET
Men's Street Final: 5:00 pm local time / 8:00 am PT / 11:00 am ET

Sunday, July 28
Women's Street Prelims: 12:00 pm local time / 3:00 am PT / 6:00 am ET
Women's Street Final: 5:00 pm local time / 8:00 am PT / 11:00 am ET

Men’s Street Skate Team

 

Chris Joslin, 28, Corona, California: @chrisjoslin_ (1M followers)

“It’s a surreal, overwhelming and an exciting feeling to know that I am going to skate in the Olympics,” said Joslin. “I’m excited to skateboard in the Olympics because I get to ride my skateboard. I get to do it on the main stage and give the world a show; not just skateboarders, not just people who like skateboarding but a way bigger audience that I hope can translate how fun skateboarding is and hopefully get some more people to fall in love with it.”

Nyjah Huston, 29, Laguna Beach, California: @nyjah (5.1M followers)

“I’m excited to be skating in Paris! To represent our country, Team USA—it’s an honor, said Nyjah, who will be competing in his second Olympic Games. “I’m excited to get out there and rip with the boys. And, I’m excited to get more of a full olympic experience this time. Last time it was kind of weird vibes and the energy was off because of Covid.”

“I think about it all the time,” responded Nyjah when asked if the idea of skating on the Olympic stage again has truly sunk in. “Mentally preparing really helps once you are there. And, like I said earlier, “comparing it to last time [following Covid-19], everyone is going to be able to enjoy the experience and feed off that energy on the course. Last time with everything being dead quiet on the course and without fans, it was just strange.”

Jagger Eaton, 23, Carlsbad, California: @jaggereaton (418K followers)

The Olympic Games never sinks in,” was Jagger’s response, also set to become a two-time Olympian. “The Olympic Games become a part of you once you realize what the challenge was just to get there.”

“Representing Team USA and getting a gold medal are the same exact thing. For me, I am getting medals for my country; I’m not getting medals for me personally. It’s obviously an individual event but I want Team USA to get a sweep. I want all of us to have the best day that we can. Whoever lands up on top, lands up on top.”

Women’s Street Skate Team

 

Mariah Duran, 27, Albuquerque, New Mexico: @mariahduran_ (148K followers)

“I feel like I’ve learned a lot since the first time around. Like A LOT,” said another returning Olympian, Mariah Duran. “It definitely helps me be a little bit more present and enjoy it.”

“It was such a treadmill of contests, such a rollercoaster of life,’ described Mariah of the previous year of qualifying events. “I felt super relieved and excited once my spot was locked in.”

Poe Pinson, 19, Fernandina Beach, Florida: @poepinson (64.6K followers)

“I’ve been doing the contests for so long at this point,” began Poe in describing her emotions to making Team USA. “It feels crazy. I’m excited that I am going to be there with a few of my really good friends. I think that I am most excited to be able to share a moment like that with them more than anything else.”

“I’m not too concerned with trying to win a medal. I’m more or less just happy to have made it this far… I never really thought that it could happen, so now that it is happening… whoa!? I’m probably going to go and even after it is all over, it still won’t feel real.”

Paige Heyn, 16, Tempe, Arizona: @paigeheyn (55.6K followers)

“Super excited, and a little bit nervous,” responded Paige Heyn to being asked how she felt once she learned her spot on Team USA was secured. “It’s quite nerve racking – all the people that are going to be there – but I’m really excited. I’m working hard and learning new tricks.”

“I’m excited to skate in the Olympics, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’ve worked so hard to get there and my hard work is paying off.”